Fresnans are often perplexed when I say “I practice anthropology” as well as teach it.

Visions of the sexy Indiana Jones aside, the sort of anthropology Hank and I “practice” is sometimes called “Design Anthropology”. One great example of this sort of thing can be found by visiting the Point Forward’s web experience.

I saw “web experience” intentionally to denote the craft with which they have built their website. You can be sure that it is a product of the sort of anthropology that they (and we) practice.

I found out about this firm’s web site by following a Google add link that was on my own LinkedIn page – yes apparently the whole “targeted advertising” thing actually works from time to time. Like all effective web experinces, Point Forward’s site gives much more than it takes. It not only described but reflexivly illustrates (i.e., it does what it describes) one of the most exciting, emergent areas in anthropology. I really liked the cases they provided, e.g., the Chick-fil-A case and the Sony case are particularly effective. They also offer reports for a more in depth look into the wonderful world of Design Anthropology.